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How to Maintain your Car Battery in 2022
We all know that an unexpected flat battery is just a flat-out headache. What if we told you that – more often than not – it can almost be avoided? We say almost because sometimes a battery is just at the end of its days.
Things like harsh weather conditions and the way you use your car affect the lifespan of your battery, so it is possible to prevent your battery from going flat prematurely. On average, car batteries last between three and five years, but you can lengthen that life expectancy in a few very easy steps.
Test your battery voltage on the regular
If you’re proactive about it, testing your battery voltage every now and then can save you from a major breakdown – and battery failure on the road is a nightmare. Qualified mechanics perform these battery tests for you, but you can also purchase at-home devices that let you take readings between car services.
When you purchase one of these, look for a reading of 12.4 to 12.8 volts – for anything outside of those numbers you’ll need to consult a mechanic.
Don’t leave your car unused for too long
This one is a bit more difficult with the pandemic in full effect, but taking your car out every other day just for a drive is important. By taking your car out at least once a week on a 30-minute drive lets the car’s fluids circulate and gives life to the battery. It also means the battery can recharge in that time.
Grime, dirt or anything else that’s left on the battery plays a part in its lifespan. It can lead to short-circuiting, which (as you can imagine) will lead to a flat battery. Any surface-level grime can be removed with ease using a damp sponge or dry cloth, so make sure you do this at least once a month.
If you notice any corrosion on any parts of the battery, don’t fret as this is quite normal, but you will need to take it to your mechanic to get it looked at properly.
Don’t use your car’s electronic accessories when the car engine isn’t running
This heading is a bit of a mouthful but it’s also self-explanatory. What drains the battery massively apart from inactivity is keeping your interior lights or infotainment system on when the engine isn’t on. By doing this, the power is drained solely from your battery the whole time, meaning it goes flat much faster.
Get in the habit of ensuring that everything is off when you exit the car. This may sound obvious, but people forget – we’re only human. It’s also important to lock your car, too. Not just for the obvious security reasons, but more modern cars still have their computer systems running when the car is unlocked – so lock your car to keep the battery life intact!
Get your car serviced regularly
This may seem like common sense, but in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget. This gives you the best possible chance of avoiding unexpected breakdowns – not just with your battery, but with any other part of your car.
Above all else, we recommend following the above steps at least twice a year – but as always, the more the better! Cars require maintenance, and to get the most longevity out of your vehicle, the above pointers will go a long way.
If you need a professional to look at the health of your car, speak to us at Mantello Hyundai today: https://www.mantellohyundai.com.au/service-booking/